Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lyon, not lyin- GREAT semester Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 08/31/2016 to 12/22/2016 with

USAC France: Lyon - French Language, Art History, and Francophone Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in myself as well as knowledge of the language and the culture. Very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intense language courses that improved my language level immensely

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got strep throat and was able to get the help I needed.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Lyon provided me just what I wanted to gain through an undergraduate study abroad program.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 20-30 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save for traveling and cultural food experiences!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2 semesters of college french
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language improvement
  • FOOD IN FRANCE
  • USAC Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • More field trips
  • Integration with French students
  • Host family option clarity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Knowing basic french was absolutely necessary

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.